PREVIEW: Ohio at Rochester

The Ohio Machine (6-6) can’t clinch a playoff spot with a win this weekend, but they can certainly continue to rise toward the berth by defeating the Rattlers. Rochester (9-3) has already made post-season plans, but would like to seal home field advantage by forcing the Machine to go under .500.

Last Time Out:

Ohio: Last weekend, the Ohio Machine defeated the Denver Outlaws 23-22 in sudden-victory overtime in what turned out to be one of the highest scoring games of the season. In their short three year history, the Machine have never scored more than 19 goals in a game until their victory over Denver.

Rochester:The Rattlers defeated the Charlotte Hounds 13-9 last Saturday, officially clinching a playoff berth and taking first place in the MLL standings. The game was back and forth until Rochester fell into a dangerous lull, but at halftime found it in themselves to regroup and finish the game strongly.

Three Storylines:

Ohio’s Offensive Barrage:As of late, the Machine have been raking in the goals. Peter Baum is second in the League with 32, and with Holman, Schuss, and Harrison not far behind him, it is no wonder that Ohio is one of the League’s contenders for the most goals scored this season with 170. Currently, they sit behind the Denver Outlaws and their 177, which includes their game for Week 13.

#BurnCancer:As a proud partner with the HEADstrong Foundation, the MLL will be partaking in the inaugural Burn Cancer Week July 31-August 2 to help raise awareness for patients, researchers, and survivors of blood cancers. Coaches will be sporting lime green shirts and select players will be using lime green Warrior gear from the Relentless27 HEADstrong Foundation line.

A Game of Goals:Last night with his eight point showing against the Chesapeake Bayhawks, John Grant, Jr. of the Denver Outlaws usurped the All-Time Goals throne from Rattlers’ Kevin Leveille. Earning four goals in the game, he passed Leveille’s 277 career high with 280 of his own. Of course, Junior has played his Week 13 game already, whereas Leveille is just suiting up; all he needs is four goals to steal the crown back.

Players to Watch:

Ohio:Kyle Harrison was named Coca-Cola Player of the Game last week for his game winning overtime goal against the Denver Outlaws, as well as his hat trick performance during regulation. Marcus Holman and Logan Schuss each scored five goals apiece, while Steele Stanwick and Peter Baum earned hat tricks.

Rochester: Jordan Wolf cleaned house, leading the Rattlers in scoring with five goals and two assists. Dave Lawson, Kevin Leveille and Mark Cockerton also scored two goals each. Goaltender John Galloway also has the lowest goals against average (11.19) in the League.

Statistical Leaders:

Ohio:Baum leads the team in points (42) and goals (32), closely followed by Holman, Schuss, and Harrison, who have netted 27, 26, and 25 goals respectively. Stanwick leads in assists by a far shot with 21.

Rochester:Justin Turri still leads the team in points with 32, but Wolf is in close pursuit with 26. Turri leads in goals (19), followed by Cockerton (18), and Wolf and Lawson (tied with 17). Joel White leads the team in ground balls collected aside from faceoff specialist Jon Ortolani, with 65 scooped.

2014 Season Series:

The two teams last met at Selby Stadium on June 14, where the Machine defeated their visitors 18-13.

Fun Facts:

· With a win, Rochester can clinch home field advantage in the playoffs. The same can happen with a loss to Ohio and a New York Lizards loss.

· The Ohio Machine (nor the Boston Cannons or the Florida Launch) cannot clinch a playoff spot, but Boston can be eliminated with a loss to Florida, and Florida can be eliminated with a loss to Boston combined with an Ohio victory.

· Peter Baum is the only player to score at least one goal in every game this season.

· The Machine have never won a game at Sahlen Stadium in their three years as a team.

Heading to the Game?

If you’re headed to the game tomorrow, be prepared for a few showers with this new Rattlers hoodie! Get it HERE or click the image to your right.